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Andrew is a staff writer at the “The Hudsucker”. He is a 30 year old lawyer living in Ottawa. Besides legal jargon, his brain capacity is taken up by reality show trivia, video game walk-throughs and room escape strategies. Andrew is also happily in a long-term, long-distance relationship. Follow him on Twitter as @sublymonal.

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Monthly ‘Idol’ Roundup: July 2016

With summer holidays in full swing, it feels like the months are flying by, but Idol‘s cast of alumni is busier than ever with new albums, new music videos, and other news so let’s get right down to it.

The cover of James Durbin’s new album “Riot on Sunset” [Credit: James Durbin]

Outgoing Idol winner Trent Harmon is still keeping busy with a follow-up music video to his country radio single “There’s A Girl” which features his real life girlfriend as he hitchhikes across states to get to her. He’s also got a second single on the docket, a cover of the Gary Wright classic “Dream Weaver” from the soundtrack of the newest movie in the Ice Age series, Collision Course (available on iTunes). According to Billboard, runner-up to Harmon, La’Porsha Renae has snagged a prime spot with her single “Battles” which will represent the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team at the Olympics.

Fantasia’s new album “The Definition Of…” is out July 29th and available for pre-order on iTunes now [Credit: 19 Recordings]

In other music video news, season 13 runner-up Jena Irene released a video for the second single from her pop-rock Innocence EP entitled “You Gotta Help Me.” She’s also updated her website with new content, including new shows in her home state of Michigan.

Season 10’s rock contestant James Durbin also released his third album and PledgeMusic offering “Riot on Sunset” (available on iTunes), which I reviewed earlier this month, stating that the album is an intensely personal and authentic view of the singer’s writing and vocal strengths.

Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino’s album “The Definition Of…” (available for pre-order on iTunes) also comes out July 29th. Like Durbin’s album, it’s supposedly intensely personal and gives the champ a chance to explore other genres like rock, soul, and blues.

Season 6 third placer Melinda Doolittle also joins the collection of talented Idol alum to sing along retro cover band Postmodern Jukebox in singing a cover of Britney Spears’ “Toxic.” She’s also heading out on tour with them next month, traveling to Australia and New Zealand.

Scott & his wife with the countdown to their new baby. [Credit: Scott MacIntyre]

Idol contestants are also joining the political trail with Billboard reporting that season 5 semifinalist Ayla Brown sang the national anthem at the Republican National Convention in support of her father, who is an former senator and contributor on FOX. Meanwhile, season 11 runner-up, Jessica Sanchez released an anthem about unity entitled “Stronger Together” for the Democrat National Convention.

In non-music news, season 8 contestant Scott MacIntyre and his wife are expecting a baby boy in the near future so congratulations to their little family!

That’s it for this month’s Idol news, if I missed anything, let me know in the comments and I’ll be sure to include it and let me know what you think about all the new Idol tunes!